Luciano helps United top Wizards

Despite being without forward Jaime Moreno, midfielder Ben Olsen
and defender Bobby Boswell, United found a way to win as they
defeated the Kansas City Wizards, 1-0, on Wednesday.

Although Moreno, Olsen and Boswell are away with their
respective Copa America squads, forward Luciano Emilio remained
and made an impact as he scored for the fifth straight game.

"I feel very good about this situation," Luciano said through an
interpreter. "That's what I've worked so hard for and I'll
keep working on that. As a forward, sometimes the ball goes in
for you and this is one of those times."

Luciano received a pass from Clyde Simms in the right side of
the penalty area and dribbled to the center before hammering a
left-foot shot past Wizards goalkeeper Kevin Hartman in the 44th
minute.

"When I got the ball, I turned and got the impression there
would be a defender right on me," Luciano said. "That's what I
pulled back on it, to create some space. I pulled back enough
to create the space and that gave me a chance to get a good
look."

"Emilio made something out of a tight situation," United coach
Tom Soehn said. "He's a goal scorer and he made something out
of a difficult chance."

Despite being outshot by an aggressive Kansas City offense, D.C.
made the most of their opportunities.

The Wizards had two shots go off the post, and United keeper
Troy Perkins was called upon to make seven saves.

"It was one of those games where we knew they were going to get
a lot of chances," Perkins said. "We were a little lackadaisical
with the ball in our own half early on. We didn't take care of
the ball in the first half and caused our own problems. I just
held my ground."

"Absolutely they had the best chances," Soehn said. "They put
Tony under pressure the whole game, but he came through time and
time again."

D.C. has won seven of its last nine games after beginning the
season without a victory in its first four games.

Earning three points to reach 23 on the season, United took over
first place in the Eastern Division, jumping from fourth over
the Wizards and New York Red Bulls (21 points each) and the New
England Revolution (22 points).

"That's what we're working so hard for," Emilio said. "It's a
good feeling. We just have to keep working hard."

Kansas City continues to struggle finishing its attacks, clearly
suffering from the loss of MLS scoring leader Eddie Johnson,
who is also away on international duty.

"I think we're creating the same amount of chances," Kansas City
coach Curt Odolfo said. "But are we scoring the same amount of
goals? We did against New York (on June 2). Since then, it's
been, I'll say, a little bit of bad luck, lack of composure, and
understanding about just putting the ball where it belongs,
which is in the corner."

The Wizards have scored just twice in their last four games,
losing three of those games with one tie. Since Johnson left
the team, they have five goals in five games after scoring 19 in
their first nine.